Independence Day

"Don't cover your faces, kids -- Mommy is trying to take your picture!"

We didn't manage any fireworks this year, but we did enjoy the neighborhood parade. It just keeps getting better and better! For me, July 4th is all about parades, community spirit, and the type of small-town virtues that they embody. We had a lovely spot in the shade, and it took a good hour for the parade to pass by.

My favorite: The Little Shasta Book Club, dressed up in vintage clothing to celebrate 90 years since women got the vote! Made this Women's Studies major very proud....


This guy and his calliope started the parade.... too bad they had a rock band right behind, drowning him out! (The band was pretty good, though.)
What's a parade without lots of old cars?
And VIPs? Here's Chuck Reed, mayor of San Jose:


And Congresswoman Zoe Lofgren:
Lots of motorcycles this year.... loved the getup on this guy:

Look closely: Raggedy Ann and Raggedy Andy are going for a ride on the back of these bikes!

I loved this old fashioned bike:


Speaking of bikes.... there was, as usual, a good showing from the KOBC (Kids on Bikes Contingent) and this kid in particular took the occasion Very Seriously. (That, or his mom made him wear the outfit.)

And every good parade has a fire engine, right? But not every one has an engine decorated like a shark! Only in San Jose!

This guy got BJ's attention, for sure. He'd decked out his cart to look like the Space Shuttle!

Admittedly, not all the parade participants were equally excited about the experience. This guy just strolled down the street, reading the parade program.

Another Silicon Valley moment -- how many other parades have a bunch of folks riding Segways?

This year Elvis even made an appearance. I told ya the parade keeps getting better!

My second favorite parade group -- the Roller Derby Girls. Woo!

Even Danny the Dragon showed up, much to the kids' delight:

Here's a cool crafty detail -- they were handing out free Statue of Liberty hats. Cut out of white paper plates! BB wore hers for a while before passing it on to me. Pretty nifty, huh?

Hope everybody had a happy and safe Fourth of July. God Bless America!